No. 9 Razorbacks Successful on Day Three at Drake Relays

BY ANDRES FOCIL

DES MOINES, Iowa. — The University of Arkansas women’s track and field team had a successful first full day at the Drake Relays, advancing the 4×400-meter relay team to the finals and seeing a huge personal-best performance from Keri McClary. As a last-minute entry into the 800-meter, McClary made a statement with a personal-best time of 2:07.91. The time takes down her previous PR of 2:09.57 set at the Arkansas Spring Invitational in 2012. Her performance builds on the success of the Razorback distance crew this season. “McClary realized this was one of her last chances to run the 800 and so she decided to take the opportunity,” said Head Coach Lance Harter. “Her lifetime best performance is a continuum of this team’s success and it’s taking us in a positive direction. She’ll run the 1,500 at the Payton Jordan Invitational next weekend, going for another lifetime best.” Ivanique Kemp qualified in the 100-meter hurdles with an eighth-place finish in 13.67. She will compete in the finals Saturday at approximately 2:30. Iowa native Alex Gochenour returned home to warm welcome at the Drake Relays, earning a season-best performance in front of a crowd that is all-too familiar with the 13-time Iowa State Champion. Gochenour ran 13.75 in the 100-meter hurdles, just missing the finals, turning around with a season-best time of 60.84 in the 400-meter hurdles. The 4×400-meter relay team of Ivanique Kemp, Daina Harper, Brianna Swinton and Chrishuna Williams recorded a preliminary time of 3:36.91, good for a seventh-place finish and advance to the finals. The finals of the 4×400 will take place Saturday at 3:45 p.m. Jesisca Kamilos, Regan Ward, Victoria Feole and Paige Johnston wrapped up Friday’s action with the 4×800-meter relay, finishing fifth in 8:46.15. Saturday will conclude competition at the 2014 Drake Relays. Live stats can be followed here. For more information on Razorback Track and Field, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.Drake Relays Results800-Meter 7. Stephanie Brown — 2:06.43 12. Keri McClary — 2:07.91100-Meter Hurdles (Prelims) 8. Ivanique Kemp — 13.67q 11. Alex Gochenour — 13.75 31. Leigha Brown — 14.40400-Meter Hurdles 17. Alex Gochenour — 60.844×100-Meter Relay (Prelims) 11. C.Williams/R.Williams/Paul/Boakye — 45.864×400-Meter Relay (Prelims) 7. Kemp/Harper/Swinton/C. Williams — 3:36.914×800-Meter Relay 5. Kamilos/Ward/Feole/Johnston – 8:46.15High Jump 3. Kirsten Hesseltine — 5-9.25 22. Emilie Gray — 5-4.5 25. Leigha Brown — 5-4.5Javelin 11. Amethyst Boyd – 138-4